Three Arrested In Modern Slavery Investigation After Raid At Manchester Car Wash

A joint operation with Czech Republic officials led to the rescue of 10 potential victims.

Google mapsThree men were arrested in the modern slavery raid at the Drive and Shine Carwash on Stockport Road in Levenshulme, Manchester.

Police have rescued 10 potential victims of modern slavery after a raid at a car wash in Manchester.

The crackdown was part of a joint investigation with police in the Czech Republic and saw three men arrested.

Officers stormed the Drive and Shine Carwash on Stockport Road in Levenshulme. The suspects, aged 20, 31 and 37 were detained at addresses across South Manchester on Wednesday.

The special Greater Manchester Police taskforce said the potential victims are now being supported by specially-trained officers and are helping police with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector John Robb said: “Following a difficult and thorough investigation, we have been in a position to execute warrants and arrest three men on suspicion of modern slavery offences.

“It marks a significant step for us in our attempts to free those who find themselves victims of modern day slavery and bring those who profit from the lives of other people to justice.

“We have been working with colleagues in the Czech Republic on this investigation and continue to pursue a number of lines of inquiry to ensure that we find every victim and stop every perpetrator.”

Barcroft Media via Getty ImagesAn anti-slavery march in London

Modern slavery involves the movement or recruitment of individuals using threats, deceptions or other means for the purpose of exploitation and is an issue in countries across the world.

According to experts, there is no typical victim of slavery – they can be men, women and children of all ages, but incidents are normally more prevalent among the most vulnerable, minority or socially excluded groups.

Victims found in the UK come from many different countries including Poland, Hungary, Romania, Vietnam and the UK itself.

Police say members of the public often turn a blind eye to suspicious activity, either through fear or ignorance, and that victims are often forced to live in squalid conditions.